AGRIMONY

Agrimonia gryposepala
Agrimonia striata

Family: Rosaceae (Rose)

Other names: Tall Hairy Groovebur, Woodland Agrimony, Grooved Agrimony, Cocklebur, Fr. Aigremoine

Parts used: Aerial, in bloom

Characteristics: Cool, drying, bitter, slightly sweet, and sour

Systems affected: Digestive, liver/gallbladder, urinary, kidneys

Actions: Astringent, alterative, antibacterial, tonic, diuretic, vulnerary, cholagogue, hepatic

Agrimony actually consists of several different species that grow in eastern Canada, typically in woodlands, around the edges of fields, and along roadsides. Once called “Fairy’s Wand,” it is a native perennial, which grows to a height of 120–180 cm., and has an erect, hairy stem with alternate compound leaves composed of many unequal leaflets, smooth above, hairy underneath, and strongly serrated. The tiny yellow 5-petalled flowers are slightly aromatic and grow on slender-branched erect spikes, which bloom between July and September. The fruit are seeds with little hooks that attach themselves to anything that passes by—usually animal fur. The upper stems of the plant should be gathered early in the summer and dried in the shade, not above 40° C.

MEDICINAL USES:

Liver problems, indigestion, diarrhea, wounds, urinary infections

• Contains tannin, so its bitter, astringent properties stimulate the liver and increase digestive secretions, flushing out toxins. It relieves symptoms of diarrhea and mucous colitis, indigestion, gallbladder inflammation, jaundice, and gout. Its action on the liver may relieve other symptoms of liver congestion such as dry, brittle hair, dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), or (in Chinese medicine) inner anger or frustration.
• Infusion makes a good spring tonic.
• Eases urinary inflammation and cystitis, kidney pain and stones.
• Gargle is antibacterial and soothes mucous membranes, eases sore throat, laryngitis, and mouth ulcers.
• Ointment or infusion from seeds and leaves used topically can help heal burns, slow-healing wounds, inflammation, or varicose veins and bruises. Stems external bleeding.
• May be effective in lowering blood-sugar levels, but more study is needed.
• Weak infusion soothes eye irritation.

folklore: When placed under a person’s head at night, Agrimony was said to induce a deep, dreamless sleep.

infusion: Add 1 cup boiling water to 1 tsp. dried herb, infuse 10 minutes. Drink 3 times a day until symptoms dissipate.

tincture: 1–3 ml., 3 times a day.

important: Do not exceed recommended dosage. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Patients with excessive bleeding should use with caution. May cause photodermatitis.

ANGELICA

Angelica atropurpurea

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

Other names: Purplestem Angelica, Great Angelica, Fr. Angélique

Parts used: Root, leaves, seeds

Characteristics: Spicy, bitter, warm, sweet, drying, stimulating

Systems affected: Lungs, stomach, intestines, blood

Actions: (Mostly root) carminative, stimulant, emmenagogue, antibacterial, diaphoretic, expectorant, diuretic, tonic, antispasmodic

A member of the carrot family, this large, robust perennial resembles its European relative, A. archangelica, not only physically, but medicinally, although it is perhaps not quite as potent and is less aromatic. Its hollow, purplish stems often grow up to 1.8 metres tall. The leaves are also on hollow footstalks, which are covered in a sheath at the base, and are composed of numerous bipinnate leaflets with finely toothed edges, the veins ending on the tips of the notches. The yellowish-green to white flowers are grouped into large round umbels and pleasantly aromatic. Dig roots up in the fall of the first year, slice longitudinally to speed drying, and store in an airtight container. Angelica is most potent when tinctured in alcohol. Collect leaves in early summer before flowering.

Since this plant, along with others in the carrot family, closely resembles Woodland Angelica, Poison Hemlock, Water Hemlock, Cow Parsnip, and Giant Hogweed—all of which are highly toxic—it is imperative to correctly identify the plant before even touching it! Do not harvest if any of the above are growing in the area.

MEDICINAL USES:

Rheumatic complaints, digestive weakness, gas, menstrual irregularities, coughs and colds

• A warming herb, Angelica acts as an expectorant, and helps relieve symptoms of colds, flu, bronchitis, and other upper-respiratory complaints where there is a thick, sticky mucus and unproductive cough that requires soothing. It relaxes the cough reflex and encourages the production of loose, thin mucus that is more easily coughed up. Promotes perspiration.
• Tea stimulates appetite and digestive process, as it encourages gastric and pancreatic secretions; helps with anorexia. Relieves gas, heartburn, flatulence, stomach upsets, and colic.
• Poultice of mashed roots warms and stimulates circulation, and helps with gout, arthritis, and rheumatism, as well as swelling and pain from broken bones.
• Tea balances female hormones, relieves menstrual cramps, eases the symptoms of menopause, brings on menstruation (but is not to be used when pregnant).

other uses:

• Young shoots and stems are sweet and can be cooked or eaten raw.
• Essential oils from seeds and root are used in perfumes and as flavouring for gin, vermouth, and Chartreuse.

folklore: Angelica was given its name in 1665, by a monk who claimed he dreamt of an angel who told him the plant had the power to prevent and cure bubonic plague. It has always been purported to have special powers against poison, plague, and contagious diseases, and is said to ward off evil spirits and spells and prolong life. A decoction mixed with bathwater is said to remove negativity and hexes.

tea: 1 tsp. powdered seed, dried root, or leaves per 1 cup boiling water. Steep 10–15 min.

cough syrup: Boil 2 tbsp. root in 4 cups of water for 3 hours. Strain and add honey. Take 2 tbsp. as needed.

important: Not for use during pregnancy—can cause miscarriage. Avoid getting juice of the plant into eyes. Use gloves to handle. Do not use fresh roots; they must be dried. Can increase photosensitivity. Avoid if you are diabetic, as it can increase blood sugar. May increase blood clotting, so avoid if you are at risk of stroke.